How To Build The Best Slayer In Pathfinder: WotR (2024)

The choice of classes is one of the options that many love about RPGs. The Slayer is one of the classes unique to the Pathfinder series. It's comparable to a class like a Hunter, with abilities like Studied Target, or a Rogue with Sneak Attack. Like the other classes unique to this particular table-top franchise, the Slayer relies on several different ability scores, which can vary depending on the exact build. In contrast, the Slayer is one of the easiest classes to play as opposed to being a typically detailed combination class.

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The Slayer is an ideal class for players who want to build a fairly simple DPS-based character but also have a lot to do when it comes to Ability Scores and customization options. There's a lot for role-playing and fan-fiction enthusiasts to enjoy here, too, since there are so many different things that can define and motivate a Slayer.

The Slayer - Character Creation

Ability Scores

The Slayer utilizes several different ability scores, and the ones you decide are the most important determine the character's role in the party.

• Intelligence. This is one of four ability scores that are important to a Slayer. Intelligence is important for Arcane casting ability and Knowledge checks.
• Dexterity. Prioritize this Ability Score to build a Slayer with better long-range weapon abilities, finesse weapon damage, and improved Rogue-like talents.
• Constitution. Slayers that plan to spend more time in melee damage will need a higher Constitution for better hit points. It also helps mitigate the low AC.
• Strength. This Ability Score increases the amount of damage a Slayer can do with their chosen weapon, and depending on their race or Feats that can be virtually anything.
• Wisdom. Unless a Slayer is interested in Divine spellcasting or Religion Knowledge, and that's not likely given this class leans Neutral, this is your dump stat.
• Charisma. This doesn't affect any of the Slayer's abilities, but their role in the party, their backstory, and any RP options might deem it important.

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Party Roles

• Damage. This is the Slayer's default role and there's not much variation here, which is why this class is rated as one of the easiest to play. Slayers don't normally have spellcasting abilities but can get some basic abilities through multiclassing, Feats, or certain Mythic Path choices to augment the damage they do in battle.
• Damage and Support. The Slayer can swap between damaging enemies and helping the healers or casters when they get attacked.
• Damage and Defense. Focus on doing damage to the main target while the main defender keeps them busy.

Racial Choices

• Aasimar. The Aasimar is all about Charisma, something a Slayer doesn't need. Unless you're building a Slayer who needs a high Persuasion score or spontaneous casting abilities, there are better choices.
• Dhampir. This unique race has a lot of bonuses in the right places but also takes penalties to important abilities, but the RP options sure are tempting, so choose a Dhampir Heritage carefully.
• Dwarf. Companion Greybor is a Dwarf Slayer, which gives him a Constitution buff from the start. The Charisma penalty is meaningless, as is the Wisdom bonus, but since Greybor tends to be the father figure of the group it makes sense for his personality.
• Elf. The bonus to Intelligence and Dexterity makes the Elf one of the best initial choices for the Slayer. Players can build the character by focusing more on those stats or buff up their Strength and Constitution later.
• Gnome. The Constitution bonus is nice, and the Strength penalty might not be as important depending on the type of Slayer you're building. Keen Senses and extra resistance to magic might make the combination worth it.

• Half-Elf. Players have a +2 to any ability they want with this race, which is a great start with a class that's bot as many choices for ability scores as the Slayer. Half-elves also have Keen Senses and a bonus to their saving throws against enchantment spells.
• Half-Orc. Another race with a +2 bonus to any ability, this is a great choice for a melee Slayer. Half-orcs have abilities like Orc Ferocity and Intimidating, making them effective fighters at close range.
• Halfling. A bonus to Dexterity is the trade for a penalty to Strength, and the +2 to Charisma is only useful to certain backstories and Persuasion check builds.
• Human. Extra skills and Feats are what make the Human a great Slayer begin with, and in addition, this race gets a +2 to any Ability Score the player chooses.
• Kitsune. Known for their Dexterity buff but their Strength penalty, the Kitsune is better for a ranged or spellcasting Slayer build.
• Oread. The Oread bonuses vary between the three Heritage choices, and there are some decent options here with buffs to Strength and Constitution.
• Tiefling. There are more choices for Tieflings when it comes to Heritage choices than any other race, and many of the options include bonuses to Ability Scores that are relevant for any Slayer build.

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The Slayer Subclasses

The Slayer subclasses have some handy abilities, especially if you build them to hunt demons or undead. Keep in mind that you're also free to play a character as a pure class and skip this step, although it's not done very often. Greybor, one of the companions in the game, is an example of this kind of build for a Slayer.

• Arcane Enforcer. As the name implies, this is a Slayer with some Arcane knowledge. They have unique abilities such as Use Magic Device and Arcane Resovoir.
• Deliverer. Some Slayers are neutral, acting as paid soldiers or mercenaries, but not this subclass. These are assassins that zealously pursue anyone who challenges their diety. These are often Evil deities, giving this some interesting options for role-playing and backstory.
• Executioner. There's a character named Luca Brasi in The Godfather franchise. That chilling visage of a grim, hulking bodyguard, trained and employed by the savage rules of organized crime, is a perfect example of an Executioner.
• Imitator. One of the few subclasses that is restricted to a certain race, in this case, Humans only. These talented fighters learn their opponents' moves very quickly and copy them in battle.
• Spawn Slayer. A handy choice for the main storyline in Pathfinder: WotR, this Slayer is an expert at tracking and killing hellspawn, or in other words, demons.
• Stygian Slayer. This subclass uses certain kinds of magic to stay hidden, specializing in Sneak Attacks and other Rogue-like abilities.
• Vanguard. The ideal choice for a Slayer that wants to take a leadership role, especially at the head of an army.

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Prestige Classes And Multi-Classing Options

Regular Classes

• Alchemist. A Slayer with a high Intelligence level can take on the powers of an Alchemist. This is another DPS class, they have access to a spell list that includes brewed potions and explosives, among other things.
• Arcanist. The Arcanist uses actual arcane spells, which means your Slayer can cast arcane spells, but remember that heavier armor means a higher chance of casting failures.
• Barbarian. Strength and Consitution are the most important Ability Scores for a Barbarian, and a Slayer can prioritize these as well. It's always fun to have Rage abilities, too.
• Fighter. Increase a character's effectiveness with weapons and armor by multiclassing with a Fighter, but there's a lot of overlap here for other things, and the Fighter might benefit more than the Slayer does.
• Kineticist. Slayers with melee-damage builds can give themselves even more battle prowess with the powers of a Kineticist, a class that's equally versatile when it comes to ability scores but also similar when it comes to AC.

• Magus. An ideal combination for a Slayer that wants some real Arcane spellcasting abilities but doesn't want to give up even more of an already low AC in order to do it.
• Monk. A Monk is another class that depends more on movement and tactics with less emphasis on weapons and armor. A Slayer with a high Dexterity Score can take on handy Monk abilities like Ki power and bow specialization.
• Ranger. There's a lot of overlap here, but Rangers also get some handy spells and abilities like Favored Terrain, which compliment the Slayer nicely.
• Rogue. Give your Slayer the ability to pick locks and disarm traps, along with an improved Perception skill, by combining them with a Rogue. Make sure your Slayer has a high Dexterity score.
• Witch. With the exception of one subclass, the Witch also uses Intelligence as the main Ability Score and has abilities like Hex and Witch's Familiar.
• Wizard. For Slayers with an exceptional intelligence score, a Wizard multiclass is a great way to turn your Slayer into a ranged DPS powerhouse.

Prestige Classes

• Arcane Trickster. A natural choice for Rogues with some basic Arcane casting skills, Slayers have many of the same abilities and can also advance into this Prestige Class.
• Assassin. Slayers already have the Stealth ability required, and the only other feature required is any Evil moral alignment.
• Eldritch Knight. Plenty of Slayers with some Arcane knowledge choose this progression and become even more effective damage dealers.
• Duelists. Improve your Slayer's abilities in melee combat even more with a Prestige Class that requires Dodge and Weapon Finesse.
• Aldori Swordlord. Fighters with a few extra points in Intelligence often become Aldori Swordlords, which makes it an even more obvious choice for the intellectual Slayer.
• Student of War. Slayers already have the combat experience required, and other skills like Arcane Knowledge and Lore can be obtained through Feats and skill points.

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Examples of Ranger Builds

Will Slay For Food

• Party Role: Damage and Support
• Ideal Race: Half-Elf or Human, so you can use the Ability Scores to define the role.
• Best Subclass: Spawn Slayer, either as a seasoned professional or a hired specialist who's just getting started.
• Important Ability Scores: There's a lot of variety here, but this build leans more towards a covert assassin type, so Dexterity and Intelligence are the most important Ability Scores.

A Killer For The Crusade

• Party Role: Damage and Defense
• Ideal Race: Tiefling, mostly for the wide range of Heritage choices that let you start customizing this role from the start.
• Best Subclass: Vanguard, for those with a mind for leadership, or Deliverer, for a Slayer that's more spiritually inclined.
• Important Ability Scores: Constitution, so they can take some pressure from the main defender in battle, followed by Dexterity. This Slayer will need to move quickly and have a decent Dodge ability so they can move through an active battlefield during combat and scout ahead while traveling.

The Punisher Build

• Party Role: Damage
• Ideal Race: Half-orc, for skills like Orc Weapon Familiarity and Orc Ferocity.
• Best Subclass: Executioner or Arcane Enforcer to increase either magical or physical damage output.
• Important Ability Scores: This Slayer should focus on Strength and Consitution to make sure they're effective in melee combat. Casters who take this role should focus more on Intelligence and Dexterity and less on Constitution.

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